Aug-16IR Flashcards
Aug-16IR-Index
2.1. India-Myanmar
2.2. India-Pakistan
2.3. Issue of Balochistan
2.4. Gilgit-Baltistan
2.5. 7th SAARC Interior and Home Ministers’
Conference
2.6. USA-Pakistan
2.7. China role in Afpak-Central Asia
2.8. Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)
2.9. RCEP-Stance of india
2.10. Akashvani Maitree
2.11. NAVIC for south asian diplomacy
2.1. INDIA-MYANMAR
Why in news? H.E.U Htin Kyaw, President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, paid a State visit to India in August, 2016. List of MoUs/Agreement signed during the visit of President of Myanmar to India
MoU on Cooperation in the construction of 69 Bridges including AP Approach Roads in the Tamu-Kyigone-Kalewa Road Section of the Trilateral Highway in Myanmar.
MoU on Cooperation in the construction / upgradation of the Kalewa – Yagyi Road Section.
MoU on Cooperation in the Field of Renewable Energy.
MoU on Cooperation in the field of Traditional Systems of Medicine.
India’s Foreign Minister visit to Myanmar:
Indian FM visit was first high level engagement after civilian government came to power in Myanmar.
Myanmar’s leaders assured that they would not allow any insurgent group to use its territory against India.
Foreign Minister discussed areas of possible collaboration such as power with the Myanmar leadership. India is already supplying 3 MW electricity to Myanmar through the Moreh-Tamu link.
Significance of Myanmar
President U. Htin Kyaw chose India as the first foreign destination after coming to power in March 2016. It shows the importance attached by Myanmar to India.
India and Myanmar share close relations with a development cooperation programme in areas such as agriculture, IT, human resource development, infrastructure development and culture.
The recent visit amplified the expectations of increased trade between both countries as well as of greater involvement of Indian private enterprises in Myanmar.
2.2. INDIA-PAKISTAN
Why in news?
In a significant shift in policy on Pakistan, Prime Minister made a reference to the Baloch freedom struggle in his Independence Day speech, saying the people in the conflicted Pakistani state of Balochistan, as also in Gilgit and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, had reached out to him.
Unprecedented move
Diplomats said the Prime Minister’s decision to raise Balochistan in his speech was “unprecedented” as India has rarely referred to the freedom movement in the state, and has consistently denied any assistance to Baloch nationalists group as alleged by Pakistan.
It was for the first time in the history of India-Pakistan ties that an Indian PM has spoken on Balochistan.
In past, External Affairs Ministry had referred to Pakistani government bombing its people in Balochistan in December 2005, and then criticised the killing of Baloch leader Nawab Akbar Shahbaz Khan Bugti in an airstrike in 2006.
By raising human rights issues in this context, India is acting in accordance with its own democratic standards and traditions, and this is entirely legitimate.
The argument that it would give Pakistan an opportunity to “internationalize” the Kashmir issue is on weak ground considering it has been trying to do so since Independence, without much gain.
Pakistan response
Pakistan said Prime Minister crossed the “red line” by talking about Balochistan.
Pakistan alleged that India is involved in subversive activities in Balochistan and Karachi and also it is referring to Balochistan to cover up its human rights violations in Kashmir.
It has also accused Delhi of collaborating with Kabul and Tehran in destabilising Balochistan.
The latest allegation is that Delhi and Washington are promoting terror in Balochistan to undermine China’s economic projects.
Pakistan invitation for talk on Kashmir Pakistan invited India for talks on Kashmir, saying it is the “international obligation” of both the countries to resolve the issue.
India’s response
India rejected Pakistan offer of talk on Kashmir. India had repeated that it is prepared to speak to Pakistan only about terrorism issues, including the investigation into the Pathankot airbase attack in January 2016 and the Mumbai 26/11 attacks in 2008, with the addition of a new demand that Pakistan vacate Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) immediately.
Pakistan stands on Kashmir unrest
Pakistan sought to escalate tension over Kashmir and called Hizbul Mujahideen militant Burhan Wani, a “Kashmiri leader” and accusing Indian forces of “extrajudicial killings.”
Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif had praised Wani and called him a martyr. Besides observing July 19 as a ‘Black Day’ to support protesters, Sharif had said Pakistan would “continue to extend moral, political and diplomatic support for Kashmiris”.
2.3. ISSUE OF BALOCHISTAN
Balochistan is Pakistan’s largest, but least developed province, which is home to over 13 million people, mostly Balochis.
The roots of the conflict go back to the country’s independence. When Pakistan was born in 1947, the rulers of the Khanate of Kalat, which was a princely state under the British and part of today’s Balochistan, refused to join the new nation.
Pakistan sent troops in March 1948 to annex the territory. Though Yar Khan, the then ruler of Kalat, later signed a treaty of accession, his brothers and followers continued to fight.
Insurgency and human rights violations
There are several separatist groups in the province.
The strongest among them is the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), designated as a terrorist group by Pakistan and the UK.
Islamabad has claimed that India is backing the BLA.
The Pakistani atrocities in the province had attracted international condemnation.
Extra-judicial killings and enforced disappearances are the most common practice.
Lack of socio-economic development
The Balochi nationalists accuse Islamabad of deliberately keeping the mineral-rich province poor, while Pakistan’s rulers say the pace of development is slow due to insurgency.
Attempts by Pakistan government to change the demography.
Being denied a fair share of the natural gas revenue.
The province remains the most backward of Pakistan.
Big-ticket projects
The province is now holding greater importance in Pakistan’s grand economic and geopolitical strategies.
It’s one of the important locations in the economic corridor China has proposed to build at an investment of $46 billion linking the deepwater port of Gwadar with the city of Kashgar, a trading hub in the western Chinese region of Xinjiang.
The Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline is also planned to go through Balochistan.
2.4. GILGIT-BALTISTAN
Gilgit-Baltistan is a chunk of high-altitude territory at the northwestern corner of Jammu and Kashmir. The region was a part of the erstwhile princely state of Jammu and Kashmir, but has been under Pakistan’s control since November 1947.
The region was renamed ‘The Northern Areas of Pakistan’, and put under the direct control of Islamabad. The Northern Areas were distinct from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
After the Pakistani government enacted the Gilgit-Baltistan Empowerment and Self-Governance Order in August 2009, the ‘Northern Areas’ came to be known as Gilgit-Baltistan.
What is Gilgit-Baltistan’s current status?
It has an elected Assembly and a Council headed by the Prime Minister of Pakistan. This Council wields all powers, and controls the resources and revenues from the region.
Gilgit-Baltistan or Northern Areas do not find any mention in the Pakistani constitution: it is neither independent, nor does it have provincial status. This helps Pakistan maintain ambiguity about the region, in
the way it does with PoK
What is India’s stand on the region?
India sees Gilgit-Baltistan as part of Indian territory illegally occupied by Pakistan.
The unanimous parliamentary resolution of 1994 had reaffirmed that the region is a “part of the State of Jammu and Kashmir, which is an integral part of India by virtue of its accession to it in 1947”.
China role
Since the Pakistan-China agreement in 1963 which saw the transfer of the Shaksgam Valley to China, Beijing has been an important player in the region.
China constructed the Karakoram Highway linking Kashghar in Xinjiang with Gilgit. China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) passes through this region. India has opposed CPEC since it passes through disputed territory of J&K.
–Fig–
2.5. 7TH SAARC INTERIOR AND HOME MINISTERS’ CONFERENCE
Why in news? Union Home Minister visited Islamabad to attend SAARC Home Ministers’ meeting. It was first time a high level visit from India went to Islamabad since Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Lahore in December 2015 starting a dialogue process. Dialogue process was disrupted by the January 2 Pathankot airbase attack.
Highlights of Visit
Home Minister said terrorists should not be “eulogised as martyrs” under any circumstances, and the “strongest possible” steps should be taken against countries that support terrorism.
He reiterated India’s consistent stand that there cannot be good or bad terrorists.
Home Minister called for implementation of the SAARC Regional Convention on Suppression of Terrorism and its Additional Protocol.
The Convention includes ensuring effective measures so that those committing terrorist acts do not escape prosecution and punishment, and are extradited or prosecuted.
The home minister called for immediate ratification of the SAARC Convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters.
2.6. USA-PAKISTAN
Why in news?
The USA has decided to block $300-million military aid to Pakistan for its failure to take sufficient action against Haqqani network.
US has blamed that Pakistan’s military and intelligence services play a “double game” with it by maintaining friendly links with Afghan insurgent and anti-India militant groups
Coalition Support Fund (CSF)
Following 9/11 terror attacks, US Congress began appropriating billions of dollars in 2002 to reimburse Pakistan and other nations for their operational and logistical support of US-led counterterrorism operations.
CSF accounts for nearly half of overt US financial aid to Pakistan since 2001.
Pakistan is the largest recipient of CSF reimbursements, having received roughly USD 14 billion since 2002.
Haqqani Network
The Haqqani Network has carried out a number of kidnappings and attacks against U.S. interests in Afghanistan, as well as Afghan government and civilian targets.
The group is also blamed for several deadly attacks against Indian interests in Afghanistan including the 2008 bombing of the Indian mission in Kabul.
2.7. CHINA ROLE IN AFPAK-CENTRAL ASIA
China has decided to exercise leadership in plugging the roots of instability in Afghanistan, Tajikistan and Pakistan.
Quadrilateral mechanism
Top military commanders from China, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Tajikistan met in Urumqi, Xinjiang province to form “Quadrilateral Cooperation and Coordination Mechanism in Counter Terrorism.”
Reasons for formation of Quadrilateral mechanism
China is concerned about the security of Xinjiang province and OBOR projects due to rise of terrorist groups in this region and also the inter-linkage of these terror groups.
The disruption of another quadrilateral dialogue on seeking a political reconciliation in Afghanistan, involving China, Pakistan, Afghanistan and the U.S.
China is seeking a political solution to the Afghan crisis to promote the OBOR initiative, and on grounds of enhancing its national security.
2.8. ASIAN INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT BANK (AIIB)
Lack of infrastructure, poor intra-regional and regional connectivity and almost negligible amenities in urban spaces are some of the major challenges afflicting several countries of Asia.
The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has been projected as an “Asian tool” to deal with such challenges that have stunted the growth prospects of several Asian economies.
Importance of AIIB for India
Connectivity and infrastructure within the country and with countries in the neighbourhood are critical for rapid socio-economic development.
India is striving to develop its north-eastern region, a goal which can be swiftly achieved through greater regional cooperation and the support of multilateral funding agencies. For this purpose, India may consider pushing BBIN (Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal) corridor and the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral, Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) corridors under its AIIB proposals
India is identifying projects worth $2-3 billion that could be funded by AIIB.
Concerns with AIIB
China is the largest shareholder with 26.06 per cent voting shares, may dominate AIIB.
India and Russia are the second and third largest shareholders with 7.5 and 5.92 percent voting shares respectively. The gap between the first and second shareholder might tempt China to use its veto power on a particular project.
China wants India to be a part of the OBOR (One Belt, One Road). Most of the projects funded by AIIB are likely to be linked to OBOR in the long-run.
India has not shown a willingness to be a part of the OBOR.
Apprehensions vis-à-vis the transparency of the OBOR agenda,
Challenges related to equitable benefits for all,
The proposed China-Pakistan economic corridor which would pass through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir,
China’s repeated incursions into Indian territory are major factors shaping India’s stand on OBOR.
2.9. RCEP-STANCE OF INDIA
Why in news?
India has agreed to provide similar tariff cuts to all Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership agreement (RCEP) member countries with limited deviation. This benefits China unduly.
Earlier India proposed 3-layer tariffs.
Japan has been pushing for a single-tier system to which India has now agreed.
Implications of the move
ASEAN + 6 region becomes a large integrated market
India is now expected to offer tariff reduction in more commodities to China.
Indo-China trade has a staggering $52.7 billion trade deficit with only $9 billion of exports in 2015-16. This will increase negatively for us.
Indian industry, especially the steel sector, faces risk of China using RCEP to try and gain more market access in India and dump other commodities. RCEP will tie the hands of policy makers.
This may further undermine our ‘Make In India’ programme.
Challenges
There is not much progress on the services front—India’s main interest in RCEP—at the Laos ministerial.
Other countries are not even keen to put it in writing that the trade deal will be signed as a single undertaking (that includes goods, services and investment) which India has insisted on.
India has little to gain in getting market access in goods in other countries due to its poor infrastructure and weak manufacturing base and, hence, has been insisting on easier visa regimes for its burgeoning skilled professionals.
However, a liberalization of trade in services remains a contentious issue for other member countries, with most showing reluctance to open up their labour market.
RCEP will have a tough time balancing the conflicting needs of the stakeholders, comprising a mix of manufacturing and trading economies. Following the negotiations, all current FTAs will continue and RCEP will just be adding numerous new concession lists.
Significance of RCEP for India
That provisions related to ever-greening of patents in the proposed RCEP were dropped after stiff opposition from India.
Regional trade agreements: It is important for India to remain within RCEP as we are not part of the other two mega regional trade agreements of Trans-Pacific Partnership and Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership.
India may emerge as an attractive investment destination for China.
Employment potential: The grouping envisages regional economic integration, leading to the creation of the largest regional trading bloc in the world, accounting for nearly 45% of the world’s population with a combined gross domestic product of $21.3 trillion.
Way forward
India could ask for a longer phase-out period of tariffs for China, say 30 years.
India’s interests lie mostly in services, the removal of technical barriers to trade such as those taken under sanitary and phyto-sanitary measures, and trade in goods such as pharmaceuticals and textiles. It should actively pursue these.
2.10. AKASHVANI MAITREE
Why in news?
President launched “Akashvani Maitree” Channel .The channel is a unique venture of All India Radio aimed at strengthening ties between India and Bangladesh. The service will be broadcast on 596 KHz.
Objectives
The re-launch of the channel on 596 KHz has twin objectives: To counter the presence of CRI (Chinese Radio International with its strong programming) and to attract Bengali-speaking listeners from both countries.
It will also help in strengthening cultural, economic, political & emotional bonding between the two neighbours
The Bangla radio service, launched in 1971 during the Bangladesh Liberation Movement and discontinued in 2010.
2.11. NAVIC FOR SOUTH ASIAN DIPLOMACY
Why in news?
NAVIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation), India’s indigenous global navigation satellite system, is expected to become fully operational from August.
With this, India will join a club of global powers—the US, EU, China and Russia—who control their own navigation satellite systems
NAVIC for South Asian Diplomacy
Its full operationalization carries implications and opportunities for the South Asian region at large in the following ways:
Sharing the benefits of NAVIC could promote India’s credentials as a collaborative partner in the region.
Having a global navigation system bolsters the ability of a nation to serve as a “net security provider”. Net security providers are states that deploy their surplus national assets for the safety and stability of other countries, including by way of responding to natural and man-made disasters.
The USA’s GPS played a significant role in relief efforts post tsunami in 2004 and the Pakistan-India earthquake in 2005, and has delivered significant strategic and economic benefits to the US.
NAVIC also arrives as an instrument for environmental and meteorological monitoring, as well as climate research. Thus helping in more accurate prediction and efficient response to disasters like Nepal earthquake 2015.
NAVIC should propel technological innovations and spin-offs that render South Asia progressively less reliant on technological imports from the West and elsewhere.
It might even go some way to mend relations with Pakistan. Building on India’s offering of assistance to Pakistan during the floods in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and other areas in 2014, NAVIC could establish a tradition of regional monitoring whereby India leverages its technological edge to safeguard citizens across the subcontinent. Such gestures could blunt the adversarial nature of Indo-Pakistan relations in the long run.
Way forward
In dedicating itself to exploring and actualizing the civilian and commercial potential of NAVIC, India can signal to its regional partners that its rise is not only passively peaceful but also directly beneficial to those it can lift up in its tide
